This level of sleep deprivation increases the risk of serious injury or fatality in safety critical situations. Published in Science Advances, the biomarker used a combination of markers found in the blood of healthy volunteers. Together, these markers accurately predicted when the study volunteers had been awake for more than 24 hours under controlled laboratory conditions. The biomarker detected whether individuals had been awake for 24 hours with a 99.2 percent probability of being correct, when compared to their own well-rested sample. When a single sample was considered without the well-rested comparison (similar to a diagnostic blood test), it dropped…

Oceanic Awards has proudly announced the winners for the 12th edition of the British Muslim Awards 2025. The British Muslim Awards 2025 is one of the most prestigious events in the British Muslim community, recognizing and celebrating the achievements and contributions of British Muslims in various fields. By showcasing the achievements of these remarkable individuals and organisations, we hope to inspire future generations and encourage greater diversity and inclusivity across all aspects of society. The winners are true leaders who have inspired others, pushed boundaries, and achieved remarkable success in their respective fields. We would like to congratulate all winners…

Losing weight is challenging. But as anyone who has ever successfully lost weight knows, it’s avoiding weight re-gain that’s the real challenge. This is true no matter what method you follow to lose weight. For example, studies show that people who follow very low calorie diets (between 800-1,200 calories per day) regain between 26% and 121% of their lost weight five years after treatment. People who follow behavioural weight management programmes (such as WW, formerly Weight Watchers) regain between 30-35% of their lost weight after one year. Even people who use weight loss medications, such as Wegovy, are…

Visiting housing tenants and asking them how they are has been the focus of an intensive week of activity by Birmingham City Council. Housing officers have visited around 2,000 council tenants in just one week to check in with people, to get to know them face-to-face and to ensure they are receiving the support they need. Officers visiting properties have been able to refer tenants for financial advice, identify potential savings on energy costs, determine if properties or gardens require any repair work, and identify tenants interested in being involved on local tenant boards. The visits are an opportunity for…

(L-R) Back row – Gary Norwood from 2Logic, Viren Dhunday, on work placement with the council’s People Development and Experience Team, Keene Bathan, Waste Logistics and Quality Officer at the council following work experience, Sarah Prescott, council Youth Employment Support Manager, Tiah Faulkner, a Level 4 Data and Information Governance Apprentice at the council following work experience, Councillor Chris Burden, council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, and Emma Wheway from Elec Training. Front row – Students from The Khalsa Academy in Wolverhampton Employment partners have come together to issue a rallying call to Wolverhampton businesses to…

Wolverhampton’s Yo! Summer gets underway next week with a wide range of activities on offer to children and young people. They include 35,862 places available for eligible children and young people, as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, delivered at 46 locations across the city by 36 providers thanks to over £1 million worth of investment. There’s something for everyone with activities ranging from sports and outdoor adventures to arts and crafts, trips, drama and productions, martial arts, cooking, snooker and much more – visit Yo! Wolverhampton Young Opportunities for full details. These activities and food are…

A computer generated image of what the approach to the new outdoor market canopy could look like heading from the bus station (Image credit: Greig & Stephenson Architects) The multi million pound redevelopment of Bilston Market is set to get underway next week. City of Wolverhampton Council is investing more than £5 million in major improvements to the market that will deliver “the absolute best market in the West Midlands” with more modern, more accessible, and more vibrant spaces for traders and the local community. Works are set to officially begin on Wednesday 23 July and will feature better…

Poundland founder Steve Smith Steve Smith launched the retail chain Poundland in 1990. From humble beginnings he worked his way up from selling on market stalls to running the multi-million-pound retail business which he went onto sell almost 20 years ago. Speaking recently at the first ever We Are Walsall 2040 conference, Smith originally from Willenhall, was optimistic about the future of the borough: “It is the people of Walsall who make me most proud to come from this area. I built my business with good people and with good people, who work hard, you can achieve a great deal.”…

“Simpson & Partners, the UK based sustainable EV manufacturer welcomes the UK Government’s reintroduction of the Electric Car Grant, offering up to £3,750 off new fully electric vehicles under £37,000. Bringing back this support originally phased out in 2022 marks a vital step in reducing the upfront cost barrier and accelerating the shift to low-carbon transport. The additional £63 million investment in EV charging infrastructure is equally encouraging. By addressing practical concerns like cross-pavement charging for households without driveways and depot charging for fleets, this scheme helps ensure the transition to electric mobility is accessible to more people, not just the early…

Sandwell Council is proud to launch Stop For Life Sandwell, a new community stop smoking service designed to help people quit and live healthier lives. Run by behaviour change specialists ICE, the service is free and available to anyone living, working or registered with a GP in Sandwell. Support includes: One-to-one behavioural support Tailored quit plans Advice on Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and vapes, plus 12 weeks of free products The Best-You healthy lifestyles app The service is welcoming, easy to access and here to help people take that first step – or try again – on their journey to…